Felidae Behavior

06/01/2025

Frankie is a cat who could play 24/7. It has been a long time since I've had a cat this active!
I've been thinking about what I can add to her daily routine and came up with agility training!

Agility training involves teaching your cat to perform a series of fun, active exercises that engage their bodies and minds. It can be a great way to strengthen your bond with your cat, boost their confidence, and enrich their daily lives.

While it is possible to go out and buy an agility course, I decided to create exercises using things I already have around the house.

So far my plan for Frankie's agility course will include:
*Circling my legs
*Circling a foam roller
*Jumping over a pole
*Walking through her cube
*Jumping up on a chair
*Getting on her skateboard and standing up

I'm breaking down each exercise into manageable steps, focusing on one behavior at a time. Once Frankie masters them, we'll put them all together into a full agility course! To stay organized, I even created a notebook to track each exercise, the equipment needed, and any special skills I might need to teach her.

Do you have ideas for more exercises Frankie could learn? Offer your suggestions in the comments - I'd love to hear them!

26/11/2024

During this week of Thanksgiving, I want to say how grateful I am to all the cat guardians who take the time to learn about cat behavior and put in the work to give their cats the best lives possible.

Everyday I'm inspired by my clients and their dedication to their cats.

Wishing you and your cats a happy Thanksgiving!

19/11/2024

When I heard that there is a park in Lima that is famous for its resident cat population, Parque Kennedy obviously went to the top of my list for places to visit.

It is a heartwarming sight seeing all the cats thriving and living their best lives in the park.

Many people come to the park just to see the cats and spend with them.

While a some people leave food, there are also volunteers that come daily to provide fresh food and water.

All over the park there are houses and beds that the cats use. In one corner, I even saw a collection of cardboard boxes!

And if you're worried about cleanliness, the park is closed every night and scrubbed down.

While I admired how well these cats were cared for, it also made me wonder if something like this could work in the US? My fear being that it would invite harm to the cats instead of offering them safety.

Have you ever been to Parque Kennedy in Lima or seen something similar?

04/11/2024

In my latest contribution, I discuss the common perception of cats a "jerks". I think that the language we use is important. While some cat behaviors might not be our favorites, I don't think that cats are "jerks", "a-holes" or are "bad".
Every behavior has a reason behind it. It might be a response to the environment, a need, or simply a different form of communication.
If you are feeling frustrated with your cat's behavior, remember that help is available.
Read the article and enjoy the 50(!) hilarious cat memes at: https://www.boredpanda.com/cats-being-funny-jerks-memes-pics/

01/11/2024

In my latest contribution, I discussed the common perception of cats as "jerks." But while some cat behaviors may not be our favorites, there’s no such thing as a “bad” cat. Every behavior has a reason behind it—whether it’s a response to the environment, a need, or simply a different form of communication. If you’re feeling frustrated with your cat’s behavior, remember that help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out, as a bit of guidance can make all the difference in building harmony with your feline friend. And then enjoy all the memes!

This page is full of instances of cats being their lovable jerk selves.

29/10/2024

To celebrate Frankie got her 1st fancy e-toy!
She is mixed on the excitement of the different functions, but overall this toy is a winner.
To keep it exciting, she only gets to play with it for a few minutes at a time and then it gets put away in a cupboard.
If you have a cat, you don't have to buy them anything to celebrate, but make sure to take a moment and tell them how much you appreciate them today!

14/10/2024

It is now officially cozy season for much of the US. For me, that means watching the new season of GBBO while knitting cat toys that Frankie may or may not play with 🙄
How do you spend cozy season?

23/09/2024

New Blog Post is up on my website. This time I'm talking about tips and considerations when thinking about introducing a new cat into your home.

This is by far the number one issue that I help people with.

Topics covered include:
- Does your cat really need a companion?
- Choosing the right cat for your home.
- How to set up slow, positive introductions.
- Avoiding common mistakes and preventing conflict.

If you’ve been struggling with introducing your cats or are unsure where to start, this guide is for you!

Check out the full blog here: https://www.felidaebehavior.com/post/cat-introductions
Feel free to reach out if you need personalized help with your cats!

"Introducing a new cat? Slow, thoughtful introductions are key. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition for both cats.

11/09/2024

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve contributed to a recent article on the important topic of teaching your cat to come when called (recall training). Recall is a valuable skill that not only enhances communication between you and your cat, but also strengthens your bond and supports their safety.

Using positive reinforcement and fear-free techniques, it’s entirely possible to teach your cat to reliably respond when called. Curious to learn more? The full article provides practical tips and step-by-step guidance to help you achieve success.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are interested in recall training for your own cat!

https://www.rover.com/blog/get-cat-to-come/

Cats may not always respond as quickly to their names. Even so, it’s absolutely possible to train your cat to come when you call them.

27/08/2024

Frankie and I are reviewing a client's training session together.
Thanks to online consults, we're able to work with cat guardians around the world. Distance doesn't have to be a barrier if you need help improving your cat's behavior!

21/08/2024

Discover the Power of Positive Reinforcement!

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve contributed to an insightful article on how positive reinforcement can help correct unwanted pet behaviors. Whether you're dealing with a mischievous kitty or an overexcited pup, understanding and using positive techniques can make a world of difference in building a strong, trust-based relationship with your furry friend.

Check out the article to learn more about how you can create a happier, stress-free environment for your pets!
https://petowner.io/qa/how-can-positive-reinforcement-help-correct-unwanted-pet-behavior/

New Q&A article featuring expert insights on Pet Owner: How Can Positive Reinforcement Help Correct Unwanted Pet Behavior?

14/08/2024

**New Blog Alert!**

With kitten season currently in full-swing in many parts of the US ,many people are bringing home a new kitten. It can be an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for your new buddy. My latest blog post is here to help! Discover expert tips on helping your kitten settle into their new home, from creating a cozy safe space to understanding their behavior and building a strong bond.

Ready to make your kitten’s transition smooth and stress-free? Check out the full blog here: https://www.felidaebehavior.com/post/how-to-help-your-new-kitten-settle-into-their-new-home

Help your new kitten settle in with expert tips on creating a safe space, understanding behavior, and building a strong bond.

24/07/2024

House soiling is a very common issue that I work on with my clients. Sometimes the cases can be quite complicated! Other times, all it takes is a simple tweak in the litter box set up to get the cat using the box again.
In my current blog post, I've offered some simple tips to try (including a vet visit!) that could resolve the issue before reaching out to a behavior professional.

House soiling in cats isn't spiteful; it's often due to other issues. Ensure proper size, cleanliness, location, and access for a happy cat.

17/06/2024

Frankie helped me write my latest blog post, which is up now on my website, felidaebehavior.com.
It is a personal essay about adopting a shy cat and the process of getting her settled in my home.

02/04/2024

Even my hobbies include cats (and cat hair in my projects)! Lucy is the best company during ceramics class.
Any guesses as to what I'm making? Hint: it is an animal.

26/03/2024

I recently got to visit with my buddies Milton and Luna. It had been a little while since I'd seen them so it was fun to review their clicker training. Milton picked it back up, like he'd been practicing all along.
That's the beauty of clicker training! Once a cat knows a behavior, at most they might need a quick review.

26/02/2024

We all appreciate the opportunity to give consent with our bodily autonomy!
In Colombia, I've met (and tried to befriend) many kitties in the street. Diamond was hanging out in his window and when his family saw that I wanted to say 'hi', they brought him outside.
He is a young, intact male and his family said he gets quite aggressive with them.
I tried to tell them that it was OK if he didn't want to be carried out to meet me, but they went ahead and brought him out.
I first offered a finger to sniff and then gave him a snack. He decided I was OK and then was quite affectionate. He even gave me his foot to hold!
I let him lead the interaction and never forced him to be pet. In return, he was not even a little aggressive with me.
There is a lot more going on in his world (big dogs that constantly bark, being intact), but when an animal understands that his boundaries won't be crossed, it goes a long way to reduce stress, build confidence, and reduce the need for aggression as a form of defense.

15/01/2024

New blog post is up!

This month I'm discussing the benefits of water fountains for cats, how to choose the right one, and how to properly maintain them.

Just like we don't find stale water in dirty glasses very appealing, your cats also prefer clean, fresh sources of water.

Whether you provide water in a bowl or a fountain, it is important to rinse and refresh it daily and do a deep clean at least once a week!

It doesn't take a lot of time to give your fountain a thorough cleaning. Your cat will appreciate your efforts and your fountain will last longer!

Read the complete post here:

https://www.felidaebehavior.com/post/benefits-of-water-fountains-for-your-cat

Work with Heather Alvey, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, to solve your cat behavior problems. Nationwide in the United States with remote cat behavior consults.